A major boost has come for youth-led agribusiness in Kura Local Government Area with the launch of a N100 million solar drying hub designed to tackle post-harvest losses and expand income opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
The project, a collaboration between the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Mastercard Foundation, is being implemented by Self Help Africa. It is expected to create sustainable livelihoods for about 5,000 young people, particularly those engaged in horticulture and agro-processing.
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Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Joy Aderele. , Country Director of Self Help Africa, described the initiative as a strategic shift from conventional humanitarian assistance to enterprise-driven development.
According to her, the solar drying hub represents a practical response to the persistent challenge of post-harvest losses that undermine farmers’ incomes in Kura and neighbouring communities.
“Kura is widely recognised for its horticultural produce, especially tomatoes, peppers and onions, which are supplied to markets within Kano and beyond,” Aderele said. “But during periods of glut, poor storage facilities and falling prices result in heavy losses for farmers. This hub is designed to change that narrative.”
She explained that the solar-powered technology will enable farmers and young entrepreneurs to preserve surplus produce, add value and significantly extend shelf life. By doing so, beneficiaries can store their goods and sell beyond the immediate harvest season, thereby stabilising incomes and reducing waste.
Aderele stressed that the intervention goes beyond food preservation, noting that it is structured to promote youth employment, entrepreneurship and resilience within the food system.
Also speaking at the event, WFP representative, Esther Ogundari commended local authorities and community leaders for their support, describing the project as a model for strengthening rural economies through innovation.
She urged young people — particularly women — to take full advantage of the facility to enhance their earnings and build viable agribusiness ventures.
Ogundari highlighted Kura’s agricultural potential, pointing to its fertile land and reliable access to water as key advantages that position the area for increased productivity and improved market access.
“The combination of strong production capacity and value-addition infrastructure like this hub can transform local agriculture into a more profitable and sustainable enterprise,” she said.
Commissioning the facility, Rabiu Abubakar, Chairman of Kura Local Government Area, described the hub as the first of its kind in the community. He expressed confidence that it would help align local agricultural practices with global standards in processing and preservation.
“This project will significantly boost agricultural productivity and reduce the level of wastage we have experienced over the years,” he said. “It opens up new economic opportunities for our youths and strengthens our local economy.”
Also, speaking at the occasion, Lamido Abubakar, District Head of Kura, called for proper maintenance and community ownership of the facility to ensure long-term sustainability. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding the infrastructure and ensuring that it continues to serve its intended beneficiaries.
“We must ensure that this investment is protected and properly managed so it can deliver lasting impact,” he said.
Beneficiaries of the programme have already begun to see its potential. Speaking on behalf of participants, a physically challenged trainee, Rabi’u Balarabe, said he had received training on modern vegetable drying techniques and business planning.
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He explained that the training equipped him and others with the skills needed not only to operate the facility but also to run profitable ventures.
“We have learnt modern methods of drying vegetables and other perishable produce, as well as how to plan and manage a business effectively,” Balarabe said. “This hub will help reduce wastage among smallholder farmers and improve our incomes.”
The solar drying hub is part of broader efforts to strengthen food systems in Kano State by linking production with processing and market access. By focusing on value addition rather than raw produce sales alone, the initiative aims to cushion farmers against price volatility while creating new employment pathways for youths.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the model, if sustained, could be replicated in other agricultural clusters across the state and beyond, contributing to food security, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
For Kura’s farming communities, the facility signals a move toward a more resilient agricultural economy—one where surplus no longer translates into loss, but into opportunity
